Hello!  My name is Matt Kessler, and I am a PhD Candidate in the Second Language Studies (SLS) program at Michigan State University (MSU).  Prior to joining MSU, I received a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics at Ohio University in 2013, where I taught numerous ESL courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  Following my MA, I briefly taught EFL in Thailand through a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grant provided by the U.S. Department of State.  I then worked for three years at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where I served as a grant writer for faculty and a communications writer for the dean of the law school.  I joined MSU’s SLS program in 2017.  
While at MSU, apart from being a student, I have served in numerous capacities, including: as a research assistant to Dr. Charlene Polio; as an instructor for multiple courses in TESOL/Applied Linguistics such as ESL/EFL language teaching methods; and currently, as the assistant to the co-editors of TESOL Quarterly, where I am responsible for managing the workflow of all incoming manuscripts, including reviewing manuscripts and producing reports for the TESOL Quarterly Editorial Board.  Additionally, in terms of service, I previously served as a co-chair for the Second Language Research Forum 2019.  Presently, I serve as a student member of AAAL’s Conference Connections Committee.
My primary research interests center around exploring various issues related to second language (L2) writing and literacy, especially concerning L2 learners’ development across different genres in academic  and/or professional contexts.  My other main area of research interest involves exploring facets of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) for the L2 classroom.  No matter the area (i.e., L2 writing, literacy, and/or CALL), in most of my work I attempt to bridge the gap between theory, research, and pedagogy with the intent of helping classroom instructors make theory- and research-driven decisions regarding their teaching.  Some of my recent publications have appeared in TESOL Journal, Computers & Composition, and in various edited volumes.
If you are interested in contacting me or learning more about my teaching, research, or service, please feel free to visit my website: www.mattkess.com